Understanding
PSAT/NMSQT
Results
The PSAT/NMSQT is cosponsored by the College Board and the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report
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PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report
Each section— Critical
Reading, Math and
Writing Skills—is
color-coded
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Your Scores
Ranges
46 . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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Percentiles
• If you are a junior, you are compared to other
juniors.
• If you are a sophomore, or younger, you are
compared to sophomores.
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Percentiles
1 . . . . . . . . . . . 55 . . . . . . . .. . . 100
higher than 54 juniors lower than 45 juniors
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What SAT Ranges Can You Expect?
The quick way to estimate your SAT score is to add a “0” to
your PSAT/NMSQT score.
• PSAT/NMSQT Critical Reading Score: 50
• Estimated SAT Critical Reading Score: 500
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Review Your
Answers
• Question number
• Correct Answer
• Your Answer
• Level of Difficulty
You will get your test book with
your score report, so you can
review the questions you got
wrong.
Free explanations for the answer to
every test question at
collegeboard.com/psatextra
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Review Your
Answers:
Math
Also shows the math content
area of each question:
• Alg = Algebra & Functions
• Data = Data Analysis,
Statistics & Probability
• Geom = Geometry &
Measurement
• Num = Number &
Operations
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Review Your
Answers:
Math Student-
Produced
Response
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Answer
Summary &
Scoring
• Correct answer = plus 1 point
• Omitted answers = no points
• Wrong answers to multiple-
choice questions = minus ¼
point. (To discourage students
from blind or random guessing.)
• Wrong answers to math
questions 29-38 (Student
Produced Responses) = No
points lost.
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Improve Your
Skills
• The skills listed are
based on your
individual
performance.
• Follow the
suggestions to
improve in each area.
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National Merit
Scholarship
Corporation
(NMSC) Programs
• Selection Index
• Percentile
• Entry Requirements
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Your Educational
Plans
Based on the college major you
provided on the answer sheet,
this section will give you:
• Description of what college
students learn and do with that
major.
• Associated skills
• Recommended high school
courses
• Other majors to consider
• Associated careers
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After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report
• Review your
answers using the
test booklet
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After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report:
• Go to
collegeboard.com/
psatextra for free
explanations for the
answers to every test
question, including
why wrong answers
were wrong. (You’ll
need the code on the
upper right corner of
your score report.)
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After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report:
• Follow the suggestions for how to improve in the
Improve Your Skills section
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After You Receive
Your Score Report:
• Review the SAT Practice Essay
and SAT Math Practice
Questions on the back of your
PSAT/NMSQT Score Report
• Go to collegeboard.com/
psatextra for:
• Answers and explanations for
these higher level-math
questions
• Essay directions, official
scoring guide, and samples of
student-written essays
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